Question

Write the name of indicated part in diagram : 

Hint:

Remember: the angle of mandible is at the junction of the mandibular body and ramus and is palpable below the earlobe when the mouth is closed.

Answer 1

The indicator points to the posterior inferior corner of the lower jaw, which is the angle formed where the lower border of the body of the mandible meets the posterior border of the ramus. This landmark is called the angle of the mandible. It serves as an attachment site for muscles such as the masseter and the medial pterygoid and is an important external landmark in clinical examination and maxillofacial anatomy.
The angle of the mandible is a crucial anatomical feature in the lower jaw, and it has several clinical and functional implications:
- Anatomical Location: The angle of the mandible is located at the junction where the body of the mandible (the horizontal portion) meets the ramus (the vertical portion). This corner-like structure is palpable just below the ear and is easily felt during a physical examination, making it an important reference point for both practitioners and students of anatomy.
- Muscle Attachments: Several muscles responsible for mastication (chewing) are attached to the mandible at or near the angle. Two important muscles, the masseter and the medial pterygoid, play a significant role in elevating the mandible during chewing. The masseter is a powerful muscle that is primarily responsible for closing the jaw, while the medial pterygoid assists in the grinding and chewing movements of the teeth. These muscle attachments at the angle of the mandible help facilitate efficient mastication.
- Clinical Relevance: The angle of the mandible is used as an external landmark in various clinical examinations, including the assessment of jaw function, facial symmetry, and the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It is also an important reference point in the planning of dental surgeries, orthodontics, and facial reconstructive procedures. For example, the angle of the mandible is often evaluated when assessing the alignment of the teeth or the development of the jaw.
- Maxillofacial Anatomy: In the field of maxillofacial surgery and anatomy, understanding the location and significance of the angle of the mandible is essential. Its relationship to the surrounding structures, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscles of mastication, and neurovascular pathways, is crucial for diagnosing and treating various conditions, including fractures, TMJ dysfunction, and muscle disorders.
In summary, the angle of the mandible is a prominent anatomical landmark that plays a key role in mastication, clinical examination, and maxillofacial anatomy. Its significance in muscle attachment and as a reference point for surgery makes it essential for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in clinical practice.